VirginiaHB5932026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Summons for unlawful detainer; legal resources, plain-language overview of process.

Sponsored By: Shelly A. Simonds (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Summons for unlawful detainer; additional information; legal resources; plain-language overview of process. Provides that any summons for an unlawful detainer issued may, with the approval of the chief judge of the general district court or the chief judge of the circuit court, have attached additional information prepared by the Commonwealth, the locality in which the unlawful detainer hearing is to be held, or a nonprofit organization serving the jurisdiction in which such hearing is to be held regarding (i) legal resources available to the plaintiff and defendant, (ii) a plain-language overview of the unlawful detainer process, and (iii) the Eviction Diversion Program eligibility and applicability.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Proper termination notice needed to evict

A court cannot give an order of possession unless the landlord shows a proper termination notice and the court enters it into evidence. The law explains what counts as a termination notice, including notices under § 55.1-1245 and other written notices ending a tenancy for homes or nonresidential spaces.

After foreclosure, former owner owes rent

If a single-family home is sold at foreclosure and the former owner stays, they are a tenant at sufferance. The new owner can end the tenancy with a written notice at least three days before the end date, then file for eviction. The former owner must pay fair market rent from the foreclosure date until they leave, and may owe damages, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs.

Faster eviction hearings and 10-day notice

For cases under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, the first hearing occurs as soon as practicable and no later than 21 days after filing. If the court cannot meet 21 days, it must hold the hearing by 30 days after filing. The plaintiff can ask for a later date that works for both the plaintiff and the court. For a single-family home with no rental agreement, an occupant without permission, and a 72-hour written vacate notice before filing, the court holds an emergency hearing as soon as practicable and within 14 days, or by 30 days if needed. Every eviction summons must be served at least 10 days before the return date on the paper.

Proof and money claims in eviction court

A landlord may use copies or printouts of leases and other papers if they provide an affidavit that they are true copies. If the tenant does not appear, the landlord may use sworn statements to show rent, late fees, attorney fees, costs, and other charges, and must report any payments that reduce the balance. A landlord may ask on the summons for all amounts due as of the hearing and an estimate, and the court allows changes if the evidence and lease support it. If amounts were not listed, the court allows changes only after a separate written notice to the tenant and a chance to object in court. If the landlord asks for or amends to include all amounts, they cannot later file another eviction or debt suit for amounts that could have been included. If the lease makes rent due on the first in advance for the whole month, the amount due at the hearing includes the full month; otherwise, rent is prorated to the hearing date. If a money judgment is entered and the unit is re-rented before month end, the landlord must credit the judgment. The law does not allow collection beyond the lease terms.

Easier to get an eviction summons

A landlord, agent, or attorney can give a sworn affidavit to a magistrate or clerk to get an eviction summons. The affidavit must describe the facts and the property. The summons can be served under §§ 8.01-293, 8.01-296, or 8.01-299, and a summons issued by a magistrate may be returned to and heard by the general district court.

Rights and help info on summons

Every summons tells tenants that an employer cannot fire or punish them for missing work to attend a hearing if the tenant gave reasonable notice of the hearing. With the chief judge’s approval, the summons may also include legal help, a plain-language guide to the process, and Eviction Diversion Program information.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Shelly A. Simonds

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 286 • No: 36

House vote 3/12/2026

Senate amendments agreed to by House

Yes: 83 • No: 15

Senate vote 3/11/2026

Courts of Justice Amendments agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/11/2026

Passed Senate with amendments

Yes: 24 • No: 16

Senate vote 3/10/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/10/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/9/2026

Reported from Courts of Justice with amendments

Yes: 10 • No: 5

House vote 2/17/2026

Read third time and passed House Block Vote

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote 2/11/2026

Reported from Courts of Justice with amendment(s)

Yes: 22 • No: 0

House vote 2/9/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s)

Yes: 10 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0635)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 635 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/13/2026Governor
  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB593)

    3/31/2026House
  4. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/31/2026Governor
  5. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

    3/31/2026House
  6. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House
  7. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB593ER)

    3/30/2026House
  8. Enrolled

    3/30/2026House
  9. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate
  10. Senate amendments agreed to by House (83-Y 15-N 0-A)

    3/12/2026House
  11. Passed Senate with amendments (24-Y 16-N 0-A)

    3/11/2026Senate
  12. Courts of Justice Amendments agreed to

    3/11/2026Senate
  13. Engrossed by Senate as amended

    3/11/2026Senate
  14. Read third time

    3/11/2026Senate
  15. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    3/10/2026Senate
  16. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/10/2026Senate
  17. Rules suspended

    3/10/2026Senate
  18. Senate committee offered

    3/9/2026Senate
  19. Reported from Courts of Justice with amendments (10-Y 5-N)

    3/9/2026Senate
  20. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB593)

    2/19/2026House
  21. Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

    2/18/2026Senate
  22. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/18/2026Senate
  23. Read third time and passed House Block Vote (97-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/17/2026House
  24. Engrossed by House as amended

    2/16/2026House
  25. committee amendments agreed to

    2/16/2026House

Bill Text

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